On June 3, a memorial event was held at the Pesti Vigadó in honor of legendary actor Tony Curtis, organized jointly by the Hungarian Hollywood Council, Origo Film Studio, and the Hungarian Academy of Arts.
The year 2025 has been declared the Tony Curtis Memorial Year to mark the 100th anniversary of the world-renowned star's birth. The sold-out event began with a special film compilation showcasing the most memorable moments of Curtis's career.
Tony Curtis symbolizes both the talent that emigrated and found global success, and the emotional loyalty that never severed its ties to its homeland. His legacy continues to inspire emerging generations of Hungarian filmmakers who strive for international success while preserving their identity and carrying forward the banner of Hungarian cinematic heritage.
In his ceremonial speech, Deputy State Secretary Vince Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasized that Tony Curtis proudly acknowledged his Hungarian roots until the end of his life. Robert Palladino, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Budapest, highlighted: "Tony Curtis's story is deeply American, but at the same time, deeply Hungarian as well. It is a story of how immigrants helped shape a nation's culture and how the culture of a small country in the heart of Europe spread far beyond its borders."
Balázs Bokor, President of the Hungarian Hollywood Council, drew attention to the year-long series of commemorative events, one of the highlights of which will be the Tony Curtis International Film Festival in September, held in Mátészalka — the town from which the actor's parents once emigrated. The festival's jury president, Attila Szász, expressed hope that the event will gain international recognition in the coming years.
At the end of the memorial, Jamie Lee Curtis paid tribute to her father in a video message, stating that he made a lasting impact both as an actor and as a Hungarian — a legacy she, too, carries forward.
// Cover photo (left to right):
- Balázs Bokor, President of the Hungarian Hollywood Council
- Robert Palladino, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Hungary
- Dr. Márta Fekszi Horváth, CEO of Origo Film Studio
- Vince Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Deputy State Secretary for Civil and Social Relations at the Prime Minister's Office
